Pakistan, Turkey committed to defend Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty

ANKARA: Pakistan and Turkey on Friday expressed concern at the overthrow of a legitimate government in Yemen by the use of force by non-state actors.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif met with his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu following which the two leaders held a joint news conference. “We have agreed to extend all possible support in defence of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Prime Minister Sharif said.

Mr. Sharif added that Pakistan was in contact with Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries of the region. “The present situation is a cause of concern for Islam.”

Turkish Prime Minister Davutoglu spoke of strong ties with Pakistan. “Pakistan’s pain is our pain and Pakistan’s propriety is our prosperity.” He added the Muslim world faced several challenges and stressed on the need to hold bilateral dialogues.

Prime Minister Davutoglu added that the situation in the Middle East was affecting Turkey and Pakistan and both countries were supportive of seeking a peaceful solution. “We have discussed what Turkey and Pakistan can do in order to protect regional stability.”

The Turkish prime minister stressed that the current incidents in Yemen were worrisome for all and building a national consensus should be enforced.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is on a one-day visit to Turkey where he is also expected to exchange views with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the situation in Yemen.

The prime minister has also called a joint-session of Parliament on April 6 (Monday) in which Pakistan’s parliamentary parties will be briefed about the conflict in Yemen and what expectations the Saudi government has attached with Pakistan.